Brandon Roy Now Out Indefinitely

Alas, for Portland Trail Blazers fans, Greg Oden may have company on the out-for-the-rest-of-the-year shelf. The Blazers announced today thatBrandon Roy is out indefinitely with sore knees.

The 26-year-old Roy had been a fan favorite up until this injury-riddled season and the face of a franchise that seemed not so long ago to be resurgent.

But even before today’s news, all of that had already collapsed.

Roy’s carping about the offense coupled with his five-year, max contract have been fodder for critics on sports talk radio and the web. His scoring average has dropped more than three points per game and the offense has often stagnated when a slowed Roy is in the lineup. As for the Blazers, they’re 16-16 heading into tonight’s game against Utah and appear destined for years of .500 finishes that leave them either just missing the playoffs or making the postseason only to be easy first-round fodder. The Blazers’ 6-3 record this season without Roy is promising, but seems unsustainable over the long run with this lineup.

Here’s the news release, followed by videos of Roy in happier times:

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will be sidelined indefinitely with sore knees, it was announced today by General Manager Rich Cho.

“Unfortunately, Brandon Roy’s condition has not significantly improved and we’ve decided to hold him out indefinitely,” said Cho. “In the short term, we’re going to proceed with an extended period of rest. Beyond that, we’re looking at all available treatment options to help better determine a course of action.”

Roy, 26, has missed nine games this season (three games from Nov. 16-20 and the last six games beginning on Dec. 17) with a sore left knee.

A three-time NBA All-Star and 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year, Roy has led the team in scoring in each of the last three seasons. He holds career averages of 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.08 steals in 297 career games (295 starts).

In 23 games (all starts) this season, Roy has averaged 16.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.13 steals in 35.3 minutes per game. He scored 20 points or more in nine contests and led the team in scoring eight times.

"In the low usage areas, we found that our vehicles sit idle four times longer, ultimately affecting overall vehicle availability for the Portland membership base, as well as parking for the Portland community."

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